Mercy, Mercy (Don Covay song)

"Mercy, Mercy"
Rosemart single listing "Covay-Miller" as writers
Single by Don Covay and the Goodtimers
from the album Mercy!
B-side	"Can't Stay Away"
Released	August 1964 (1964-08)
Recorded	May 13, 1964
Studio	A1 Sound, New York City
Genre	Soul
Length	2:21
Label	Rosemart
Songwriter(s)	Don Covay, Ronald Alonzo Miller[1]
Producer(s)	Herb Abramson
Don Covay and the Goodtimers singles chronology
"The Froog" (1964) "Mercy, Mercy" (1964) "Take This Hurt Off of Me" (1964)

"Mercy, Mercy" (sometimes referred to as "Have Mercy") is a soul song first recorded by American singer/songwriter Don Covay in 1964. It established Covay's recording career and influenced later vocal and guitar styles. The songwriting is usually credited to Covay and Ron Alonzo Miller, although other co-writers' names have also appeared on various releases.

In late 1964, the song became a hit, reaching number one on the Cash Box R&B chart and number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Several other artists have recorded "Mercy, Mercy", including a well-known version by the Rolling Stones for their 1965 album Out of Our Heads. More recently, Covay's original version has received attention as one of Jimi Hendrix's first recordings as a sideman.